Bottle Feeding question

powell7311 · #1 02/25/12, 08:49 PM

Hello everyone

We just had a cow freshen with twins, they both were up and sucked. We decided to pull the smallest of the two and bottle raise him for the freezer. We would like to raise him the best possible way. I've raised beef cattle, just not on the bottle to many times. I remember my dad trying to raise some dairy calves once upon a time for profit, and most died from getting the scours really bad. Is there any additives or supplements I can give this calf in his bottles that will give him optimal growth and prevent scours? We are giving him Dumor replacer at the moment and bleaching the bottle and nipple after each use. Any tips, or advice would be greatly appreciated.

myersfarm · #2 02/25/12, 08:59 PM

You asked for advice. I would leave the calf on cow. And feed her to make more milk and keep weight on

myersfarm · #3 02/25/12, 09:00 PM

Read the sale barn calf thread here at the top

powell7311 · #4 02/25/12, 09:01 PM

That would have been great, but wasn't my choice. My dad didn't want to leave both calves on her.

countryfied2011 · #5 02/26/12, 01:45 AM

I cant tell you if there is a "one pill fits all" solution but here is what I learned from my experience(which was only once and I hope I don't ever have to do it again..lol). YMMV

1. Make sure they get plenty of colostrum

2. Milk Replacer/Probios /Electrolytes is expensive--

3. Don't overfeed! Actually this should be number 1--the bag reads 2 qts twice a day.....if you can feed smaller amounts several times a day that works better for the calves and you might have to work your way up to a gallon a day for the first week. Keep bottle upright so where the nipple would be about at their shoulder height so to get the milk down the right place. No big hole in nipple, milk needs to come out slow but not to slow..lol Wish I knew all that before I started...lol

4. Keep plenty of Electrolytes, Probios, Calf Scour Pills and antibiotics on hand in case you need them. Especially the first two, you dont want to have to run to the store in an emergency! Dont mix the electrolytes in with milk feed separate and alternate between milk feedings. The reason I listed all four is because you have to figure out if the scours is from the milk replacer or newborn bacteria that can cause the scours. I personally am not an owner that automatically gives antibiotics unless it is warranted, not all scours is caused from a bacteria there are certain symptoms that show with bacteria scours. Again that is a personal decision and not intended for advice to others.

5. Be deligent in their care--they do go down fast from what I have read, My two never went down hill even though I went through the scours for several weeks. I have raised foals that had Clostridium which can kill in 24hrs, so I was familiar with scours and how fast they can die from dehydration. Which is normally what gets them with scours. Dont play the wait and see game because it might be a matter of life or death, get the vet involved if necessary to save calf. I again was on a lucky streak and didnt have to, but would if need be.

6. You will get a lot of advice--take what you need for your situation and leave the rest. Everyone has a solution for what will work and not work and you have to decide which way works best for you and your calf.

7. Good Luck, I'm sure you know most of this since you are familiar with cattle(might be TMI), I didnt and had to learn the hard way. I was lucky my two are still alive(thanks to HT) and are 7 months old and I still worry..lol

p.s. I know your dad wont let you keep the calf on the cow, but will he let you use her milk in the bottle? I would do that if you could

Callieslamb · #6 02/26/12, 06:16 AM

Make sure your milk replacer has the most fat in it possible. Some MR is cheaper and has less fat. I avoid the soy MR. It's $65 for 50 lbs here. I feed about 1/3 of a bottle 3x a day for the first week. Yes, it's a pain. If the calf is smaller, they only get 1/4 of a bottle 3x a day. If they are weak, I spread it over 4 feedings. Repeat to youself - "they always think they need more. They always think they need more." And don't fall for their bawling and give them more milk.

If they scour, the very best thing is to take a sample to your vet to see exactly what you're dealing with and the best meds to handle it. Take them off the MR and give them an electrolyte drink (Resorb or Bounce back- type.) Follow the package directions.

Put them under a heat lamp if it's cold. Keep them out of drafts. Give them a warm place to lay down. Pray.

Teacupliz · #7 02/26/12, 08:32 AM

I bottle everything, never lost one, I start with 1 quart twice a day, dont build up to fast.
Dont over feed, that is what will kill them, dont use a soy base replacer. Make sure it is milk base. When you increase the amount of milk if they get the runs pull back to the 1 quarter twice a day.
I use a organic electrolites bottle is barn, the stuff is magic for a calf not feeling well.
Goat milk is best

powell7311 · #8 02/26/12, 08:37 AM

Thanks for the advice everyone. He's doing really well right now. Drinking 1/3 bottle 3 times a day. The replacer is milk based. I would love to have given him goats milk but all my does are currently rasing little ones of their own...